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The short answer: the easiest way to make a Christmas tree look designed is to pick one theme and two or three colors, then repeat them all over the tree. A theme tells you what to buy and what to leave in the box, and the tree ends up looking calm and finished instead of busy.
Below are 20 Christmas tree themes, from classic color schemes to cute, unique and kid friendly ideas, with the one or two things that make each look work.
Three things that help every tree theme (we earn a small commission if you buy, at no cost to you):
- Plenty of warm white lights: more lights than you think you need makes any theme glow. Aim for about 100 lights per foot of tree.
- Wide wired ribbon: ribbon woven through the branches ties a theme together fast and fills gaps.
- A statement tree topper: a big star or bow finishes the tree and draws the eye up.
Classic color scheme themes
1. Classic red and gold
SaveRed and gold is the timeless choice. Mix red and gold balls in different finishes (shiny, matte and glitter) and add a gold ribbon so the tree looks rich without trying too hard.
Good to know: Hang the biggest balls deep inside the branches so the tree looks full.
2. Traditional red and green
SaveRed berries, pine cones and plain red balls on a green tree feel like a classic family Christmas. It works especially well with colored or warm white lights.
Good to know: Berry picks tucked into the branches fill gaps instantly.
3. Champagne and gold glam
SaveChampagne, gold and cream ornaments with a sparkly ribbon look elegant and soft. It is a favorite for living rooms with neutral decor.
Good to know: Add a few clear glass balls to catch the light.
4. Black and gold modern
SaveBlack and gold looks bold and modern, especially on a slim tree. Keep it to two colors and add warm lights so it still feels cozy.
Good to know: Matte black balls look more expensive than shiny ones.
Cozy and farmhouse themes
5. Buffalo plaid farmhouse
SaveRed and black buffalo plaid ribbon, wood bead garland and white or red balls give a cozy farmhouse look. It is one of the easiest themes to pull off.
Good to know: Cut ribbon into 18 inch pieces and tuck them in waves down the tree.
6. Rustic burlap and wood
SaveBurlap ribbon, wood slice ornaments and wood bead garland look warm and natural. It suits cabins, farmhouses and anyone who loves a handmade feel.
Good to know: Keep the ornaments to natural tones and add one color, like red or white.
7. Natural pine cone and berry
SavePine cones, berries and greenery picks make a tree look like it came straight from the forest. It is calm, simple and lovely with warm lights.
Good to know: Wire pine cones to the branches so they do not slip.
8. Wood bead and white minimal
SaveWood bead garland with simple white ornaments is a quiet, Scandi look that lets the tree itself shine. It is perfect for small spaces.
Good to know: Drape garland loosely in swoops rather than tight spirals.
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Cute and fun themes
9. Gingerbread
SaveGingerbread people, candy, white icing touches and red ribbon make the sweetest tree. Kids love finding the little cookie ornaments.
Good to know: Add white ball ornaments so it looks like icing.
10. Candy cane and peppermint
SaveRed and white stripes, peppermint ornaments and candy canes give a bright, playful tree. It looks great with a white or green tree.
Good to know: Real candy canes can go sticky near warm lights, so use ornament ones.
11. Pink Christmas
SavePink, white and silver ornaments look fresh and fun, and they are huge on Pinterest. Mix pale and hot pink for depth.
Good to know: A white or flocked tree makes pink pop even more.
12. Colorful rainbow
SaveOrnaments in every color, arranged in rainbow bands or mixed, make a joyful tree. Colored lights finish it off.
Good to know: Group colors in bands from top to bottom for the neatest look.
13. A kids handmade tree
SaveLet kids decorate a tree with their own paper, felt and salt dough ornaments. It is the most meaningful theme of all, and they will want to hang the same ones every year.
Good to know: Write the year on the back of each handmade ornament.
Unique themes
14. Winter wonderland
SaveWhite, silver, clear and pale blue ornaments look icy and magical. Add a little faux snow or clear glass balls and the tree glitters.
Good to know: Cool white lights suit this theme better than warm.
15. Woodland animals
SaveLittle foxes, owls, deer and birds tucked into a natural tree feel like a forest scene. It is cute without being too sweet.
Good to know: Pair the animals with pine cones and plaid ribbon.
16. Nutcracker
SaveWooden nutcracker ornaments with red, gold and green give a storybook, ballet look. A big nutcracker by the tree completes it.
Good to know: Add gold stars or snowflakes between the nutcrackers.
17. Vintage retro
SaveBig colorful C9 bulbs, tinsel and mixed glass ornaments bring back a grandma style Christmas. It is nostalgic and very cozy.
Good to know: Mix in thrifted ornaments for a real vintage look.
18. Coastal beach
SaveShells, starfish, white and soft blue ornaments are perfect for a beach house or anyone who misses summer. Add a rope garland for texture.
Good to know: Tuck in a few sand dollars and a starfish topper.
19. Scandinavian Nordic
SaveWhite, red and natural wood with simple stars and a wooden tree collar feels calm and Nordic. Less is more on this tree.
Good to know: A wooden tree collar looks neater than a skirt.
20. An all white tree
SaveA white tree with white, silver or soft colored ornaments looks clean and bright. It is a great base for pink, blue or gold themes too.
Good to know: Use warm white lights on a white tree so it does not look cold.
How to choose a Christmas tree theme
Start with your room. Look at the colors already in your living room and pick a theme that sits happily with them. Then choose two or three colors only, plus one texture like ribbon, beads or pine cones. Put the lights on first, then ribbon, then the biggest ornaments, then the small ones. Step back every few minutes, and you will see where the gaps are. If you love a pared back look, our minimalist Christmas tree ideas show how to keep it simple.
More Christmas tree decorations on Amazon
Keep reading
- Minimalist Christmas tree decorating ideas
- Gingerbread Christmas decor ideas
- Christmas gift wrapping ideas that look expensive
- Apartment Christmas decor ideas
Frequently asked questions
Classic red and gold, traditional red and green, buffalo plaid farmhouse, winter wonderland and natural woodland are the most popular. Pink, gingerbread and black and gold are big trends too.
Two or three colors look best, plus one texture like ribbon, beads or pine cones. More than that tends to look busy.
Around 80 to 100 ornaments in a mix of sizes fills a 7 foot tree well. Put the largest balls deep in the branches to add depth.
Lights first, then garland or ribbon, then large ornaments, then small ornaments, and the topper last.
Yes. Pick a theme with shatterproof ornaments and keep glass ones near the top, or give kids their own handmade ornament tree.
About the author: Shinku Studio shares simple, stylish home and holiday ideas, with decor chosen from well reviewed, popular options on Amazon.
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[…] a different look this year? See our 20 Christmas tree themes, from classic red and gold to woodland, pink and […]